Author(s): Oruganti Mrudhula
Paper Details: Volume 3, Issue 3
Citation: IJLSSS 3(3) 42
Page No: 525 – 531
ABSTRACT
The inception of Operation Sindoor on May 7, 2025, constitutes a major shift in India’s counter-terrorism initiatives and military strategy integrating high technology and warfare capabilities India indigenously developed, but also in response to the devastating Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025 which claimed the lives of 26 civilians, including a Nepali national. So, this operation stands as an important example of a measured and non-escalatory military response. This joint operation by the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force precisely targeted terror infrastructure associated with Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir. This operation is known as Sindoor, which avoids targeting any assets of the Pakistani military and civilian infrastructure to reduce the escalation of the situation and collateral damage. These attacks utilized state-of-the-art platforms like Rafale jets equipped with SCALP cruise missiles, HAMMER precision-guided bombs, and Loitering weapons are tracked in real time by satellite and drone, with extensive air defense coverage. Strategically, Operation Sindoor set a new threshold of deterrence within the region, demonstrating India’s willingness to defend its sovereignty by carefully managing escalation and adhering to international boundaries and frameworks, as well as combating social terrorism. The operation also signifies a clear shift towards the integrated, technology-enabled warfare doctrine and tri-service unity executed across all military dimensions. In addition to operational objectives, Sindoor emphasized the psychological operational level of warfare in counter-terrorism, suggesting that India’s low-intensity warfare initiatives figure prominently in dominant narratives. In conclusion, Operation Sindoor marks a significant milestone in India’s pursuit of technological self-reliance in defense, transforming the country’s deterrence architecture and setting a precedent for future responses to asymmetric threats. This operation strategically demonstrates India’s willingness to take decisive military action in defense of its sovereignty and security.
INTRODUCTION
In the changing world of multi-domain warfare, where threats cross traditional boundaries and challenge established security paradigms, India’s national security strategy has prioritized joint operations, accuracy, and strategic foresight. Operation Sindoor, which began on May 7, 2025, shows this strategic pivot. Its formation was a direct response to the tragic Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, in which five armed militants targeted tourists in Baisaran Valley in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. These assailants, identified as members of The Resistance Front (TRF), a Lashkar-e-Taiba offshoot, deliberately targeted victims based on their religious affiliation, killing 26 civilians, the majority of whom were Hindu tourists. This was the worst assault on Indian citizens since the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
This sectarian atrocity, which was characterized by cruelty and the purposeful targeting of innocent persons, exacerbated tensions between India and Pakistan and sparked widespread calls for a swift response. As a result, Operation Sindoor was designed as a punishing but methodically planned effort targeted primarily at removing the terror infrastructure of groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen beyond the Line of Control and further into Pakistani territory. Multi-agency intelligence identified nine important terror centers, which were then the targets of precise strikes carried out by India’s three services, the Army, Navy, and Air Force, with the dual goals of destroying terrorist capabilities and reducing collateral damage.
Operation Sindoor was carried out with operational ethics and prudence at its core. Deliberate precautions were taken to avoid civilian casualties and reduce the likelihood of a larger escalation. Following Operation Sindoor, Pakistan allegedly attempted retaliatory drone and missile strikes on crucial Indian military and supply facilities. However, India’s powerful, multilayered air defense systems efficiently repelled these attacks. These defensive capabilities were considerably enhanced by an Integrated Command and Control Strategy (ICCS), which allowed for real-time threat assessment and interception across several operating domains. The operation not only demonstrated the remarkable operational cohesion and professionalism of India’s armed services but it also underlined the government’s unflinching commitment to a responsible, intelligence-driven, and technologically sophisticated national security policy.
SEQUENCE OF ACTIONS
– Operation Sindoor was launched after the Pahalgam massacre (April 22, 2025) that killed 26 civilians.
– The Indian government mobilized intelligence and suspended the Indus Waters Treaty.
– Under PM Modi, the armed forces planned and executed the operation.
– On May 7, 2025, 24 precision strikes targeted nine terror camps in Pakistan and PoK.
– Strikes eliminated over 70 terrorists, including relatives of Masood Azhar
– Success attributed to radar blackouts and tri-service coordination.
– Pakistan retaliated with cross-border shelling; India neutralized 11 airbases.
– Diplomatic transparency maintained; 42 nations briefed.
– Ceasefire brokered on May 10 through U.S. mediation.
– Showcased synergy among the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
– Highlighted indigenous defense systems like Akash SAM and BrahMos missiles.
– Operation validated India’s military modernization and self-reliance.
OPERATIONAL AND STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE OF OPERATION SINDOOR
Operation Sindoor holds significant importance, both operationally and strategically, in India’s defense posture.
Operationally, it showcased India’s advanced military capabilities through:
- Precision, Jointness, and Professionalism: Executing high-precision, intelligence-led strikes across land, air, and sea with seamless tri-service coordination, while minimizing collateral damage.
- Integrated Command and Control (ICCS): Demonstrating effective real-time threat management and interception against retaliatory attacks.
- Maritime Dominance and Border Security: Establishing naval control and thwarting infiltration, reflecting comprehensive readiness.
Strategically, Operation Sindoor fundamentally reshaped India’s counter-terrorism doctrine by: • Redefining Response Thresholds: Establishing that terrorist infrastructure on foreign soil warrants calibrated military action, challenging prior deterrence assumptions.
- Deterrence by Punishment: Setting a new norm where cross-border terror attacks will trigger robust military responses, increasing costs for terror sponsors.
- Strategic Restraint and International Legitimacy: Upholding international norms through measured action, enhancing global standing.
- Strengthening National Resolve: Highlighting indigenous defense technology and integrated command structures, boosting morale and preparedness.
Long-Term Regional Impact: Setting a precedent for future responses and shifting the onus onto Pakistan to prevent terrorism, thus altering regional strategic dynamics.In essence, Operation Sindoor is a landmark event in India’s defense history, serving as a model of operational excellence and a clear signal of India’s resolve to deter and punish cross-border terrorism while maintaining regional stability.
STAND OF OTHER COUNTRIES ON OPERATION SINDOOR
The international response to “India’s Operation Sindoor” has been a mix of concern, caution, and calls for restraint, reflecting the gravity of a military confrontation between two nuclear-armed neighbors.
United States: President Donald Trump described the situation as “a shame”, expressing disappointment over the escalation and urging both India and Pakistan to halt further hostilities. Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of keeping communication lines open and avoiding further escalation.
United Arab Emirates: The UAE was among the first to respond, urging both countries to de-escalate and reaffirming its commitment to regional peace. During a visit by an Indian all-party delegation, UAE officials reiterated their “zero-tolerance stance on terrorism” and expressed solidarity with India’s anti-terror efforts.
United Nations: UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for *maximum military restraint*, warning that the world cannot afford a military confrontation between India and Pakistan. The UN Security Council had earlier condemned the Pahalgam terror attack that triggered the operation, emphasizing accountability for the perpetrators.
China and Japan: China labeled India’s actions as “regrettable” and urged both sides to prioritize peace and stability. Japan, while condemning the initial terror attack, expressed concern over India’s targeted strikes and called for restraint to avoid further escalation.
Broader Diplomatic Emphasis: Across the board, the dominant international sentiment has been a push for diplomacy over military action. Many nations emphasized the need for dialogue, with analysts viewing “Operation Sindoor” as a test of India’s evolving counter-terrorism doctrine and strategic posture.
OUTCOMES OF OPERATION SINDOOR:
MILITARY ACHIEVEMENTS
Operation Sindoor targeted nine terror hubs in Pakistan and PoJK, with Indian military officials claiming over 100 terrorists were killed. The operation involved precision strikes at four sites in Pakistan and five in PoJK, targeting facilities linked to groups like LeT, JeM, and Hizbul Mujahideen, including strikes on Muridke (LeT headquarters) and Bahawalpur (JeM headquarters).
INDUS WATERS TREATY ACTIONS
The water leverage claims are accurate. On April 23, 2025, following the Pahalgam terrorist attack, India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, citing national security concerns and alleging Pakistan’s support of state-sponsored terrorism. India halted water flow from the Baglihar Dam on the Chenab River and was reportedly preparing similar actions at the Kishanganga Dam. India also began work to boost reservoir capacity at hydroelectric projects in Kashmir and advanced the start dates of four under-construction hydropower projects by months.
STRATEGIC POSITIONING
The operation has been analyzed as adding “a new approach to India’s strategic toolbox” and demonstrating “a powerful lesson in restraint”. The operation appears to represent an evolution in India’s military doctrine toward more proactive deterrence.
The exact number of terror camps destroyed is 24, specific air base damage claims, and the U.S. IMF pressure allegations that it funded Pakistan with the amount of 1 billion dollars.
India shifting from reactive to proactive deterrence while maintaining conditional de-escalation aligns with expert analysis of the operation’s significance in India’s evolving counter-terrorism doctrine.
CONCLUSION
Operation Sindoor represented a significant shift in India’s military strategy, demonstrating its ability to conduct precise, multi-domain warfare against terrorism. The operation successfully dismantled critical terror infrastructure while ensuring minimal collateral damage and maintaining diplomatic transparency. It underscored the achievements of the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, with indigenous defense systems such as the Akash SAM and BrahMos missiles playing vital roles. The effective coordination among the Army, Navy, and Air Force showcased India’s operational readiness and determination. Ultimately, Operation Sindoor reinforced India’s doctrine of zero tolerance toward terrorism and solidified its status as a formidable military power on the global stage.
This operation marks a turning point in India’s approach to foreign relations, particularly regarding Pakistan. Historically, India prioritized amicable dispute resolution methods like negotiations; however, it has now shifted to more coercive measures, including retaliation. Operation Sindoor itself was a direct response to the Pahalgam attack carried out by Pakistan. This operation exemplifies India’s commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty and integrity at all costs.
REFERENCES
NEWS MEDIA AND REPORTS
- https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/7/where-did-india-hit-pakistan-mapping-operation-sindoor-and-border-strikes
- https://icct.nl/publication/operation-sindoor-turning-point-india-addressing-terrorism-kashmir
- https://icfs.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/The-Pahalgam-Attack-Briefing-Paper-ICfS.pdf
- file:///C:/Users/admin/Desktop/typing/PowerPoint%20Presentation.pdf
- https://blog.lukmaanias.com/2025/05/16/operation-sindoor-a-reshaping-of-confrontation/
- https://www.cgiistanbul.gov.in/section/news/summary-of-operation-sindoor/
- India launches Operation Sindoor, exchanges heavy fire with Pakistan | India-Pakistan Tensions News | Al Jazeera
- Operation Sindoor: UAE and Israel respond to India’s attacks on Pakistan by…, Trump goes back to Balakot offer, says…
- Shame or support: What is US’s true stand on Operation Sindoor? – The Times of India
- Official website of the government, i.e.
- https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2129453
- https://www.mea.gov.in/media-briefings.htm?dtl%2F39474%2FTranscript_of_Special_Briefing_on_OPERATION_SINDOOR_May_07_2025
- https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2127370
- https://ddnews.gov.in/en/operation-sindoor-indias-military-doctrine-of-offensive-defence/
ACADEMIC SOURCES
- Pallathadka, H., & Roy, P. D. (2025). Operation Sindoor: India’s Decisive and Justified Strike Against Cross-Border Terrorism. Stallion Journal for Multidisciplinary Associated Research Studies, 4(2), 147–154. https://doi.org/10.55544/sjmars.4.2.11